Have you ever wanted to add a pop of temporary color to your hair without the commitment or cost of traditional dyes? There’s a fun, creative method hiding right in your kitchen pantry. Using Kool-Aid to paint your hair is a vibrant, semi-permanent technique that has been a favorite DIY for years. It’s a fantastic way to experiment with bold shades like cherry red, electric blue, or vibrant purple before taking the permanent plunge.
This process is surprisingly simple and uses ingredients you likely already have. It’s a gentle alternative for those who are curious about colorful hair but want to avoid harsh chemicals. Let’s walk through how you can create your own custom hair color with a few packets of drink mix.
Gathering Your Hair Painting Supplies
You won’t need much to get started. The main items are a few packets of unsweetened Kool-Aid in your chosen colors, a small bowl, a tint brush or an old toothbrush, and some clips to section your hair. It’s also a good idea to have some petroleum jelly on hand to protect your skin and wear an old shirt you don’t mind getting stained. Remember, the darker your natural hair is, the more subtle the color will appear. This method works best on light blonde to light brown hair.
Mixing Your Color Paste
Creating the color mixture is the key step. Pour one packet of unsweetened Kool-Aid powder into your bowl. Add a very small amount of hot water, just a teaspoon or two, and mix it into a thick, concentrated paste. The consistency should be similar to hair conditioner, not runny. If it’s too watery, it will drip and won’t adhere well to your hair strands. You can always add a tiny bit more powder if needed to thicken it up.
Applying the Color to Your Hair
Start with dry, unwashed hair, as the natural oils can help protect your scalp. Section your hair with clips. Using your tint brush or toothbrush, carefully paint the color paste onto the strands you want to color. For a more controlled look, you can twist sections and paint the twists. Be sure to cover the hair completely for an even result. Once a section is painted, you can wrap it in foil to prevent the color from transferring onto other hair or your clothes.
Setting and Rinsing the Color
After all your chosen sections are painted, you need to let the color set. The most common method is to sit in the sun for about an hour, as the heat helps the color bind to the hair. Alternatively, you can use a blow dryer on a warm setting. When the time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid using shampoo, as this can strip the color. Simply condition as usual and style.
Your new Kool-Aid color will be vibrant and beautiful, lasting through several washes. It’s a wonderful way to express your creativity and have some fun with your look. Enjoy your colorful, and slightly fruity-scented, new style